International
Journal of Herbs and Pharmacological Research IJHPR,
2013, 2(3): 36 – 41.
RESEARCH
PAPER:
HEPATIC
POTENTIALS OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA LEAVES IN ADULT WISTAR RATS
1Obodo B.N., 2Iweka F.K., 1Obhakhan J.O., 2Dada F.L., 1Festus O.O., 2Onoyovwi A.O.,
2Maduagwuna G.N., 1Okoye C.F.
Department
of 1 Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences,
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. 2Chemical
Pathology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding
author: namecforme2@gmail.com
Received: 20th April, 2013
Accepted: 3rd July, 2013 Published: 31st July, 2013
ABSTRACT
This
study investigates the possible toxic effect of Xylopia aethiopica on
liver function via the evaluation of some serum biochemical parameters. The
study involved 24 adult rats with weight ranging from 150 to 300g and divided into
four groups of 6 rats each (A, B, C and D). For 21 days, varying doses of
1.2g/kg, 3.0g/kg and 6.0g/kg per body weight of Xylopia aethiopica leaves
powder were administered daily to test groups B, C and D respectively. Group A
however served as control that received normal feed and water only. At the end
of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia to obtain
blood samples for the estimation of liver enzyme activities. The results showed
that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the activities of
Aspartate amino transferase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphates (ALP) but a significant
decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of total protein, albumin and globulin
levels in the test groups as compared to the control. On the other hand, the
activities of Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and Alanine amino transferase
(ALT) of the test groups were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that
of the control. Therefore, the observed changes in the parameters accessed,
signifies the hepatotoxic impact of Xylopia aethiopica leaves.
Keywords:
Xylopia aethiopica, hepatoxicity, Herbs, Nigeria.
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INTRODUCTION
Since
ancient times, Africans, particularly those of the south Sahara, are known for
the use of plants and plant extracts in the treatment and management of
diseases (Woode et al., 2011). It was assumed to be the outcome of widespread
poverty and illiteracy, which limits their accessibility to conventional
medical services. Notwithstanding however, a large number of these tropical
plants and their extracts have shown beneficial therapeutic effects such as contraceptive,
aphrodisiac, fertility enhancing capacities, as well as anti-oxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial potentials (Raji et al.,
2006). Also, evidence abound that plant derivatives have therapeutic potentials
against vast human, animal and plant diseases (Ogbonnia et al., 2008),
and thus, plants have become indispensable to human and animal existence. In
fact, several conventional products derived from plants exists today and interestingly,
many herbal products are now been approved by health agencies and
organizations. Amongst these plants with great therapeutic potential is Xylopia
ethiopica which is commonly referred to as “African guinea pepper” or “Ethiopian
pepper”. It is an angiosperm of the Annonaceae family, and grows predominantly
in humid forest zones of West Africa (Puri and Talata 1978; Woode et al.,
2011). It is found all over the low land rain forest and most fringe forest in
the savannah zones of Nigeria (Sofowara, 1978). Although it is said to serve as
a ‘pepper substitute’ in Europe and India (Sofowara, 1978), it is highly valued
in other countries for its medicinal and pharmacological properties (Okeke et
al., 2008). The seeds have been reported to contain bitter principles like
alkaloids, glycosides, saponnis, tannins, sterols, carbohydrate, protein, free
fatty acids, mucilage’s and
acidic compounds (Burkhill, 1985); some of which might be responsible for the
documented medicinal and pharmacological properties of Xylopia aethiopica. According
to Burkhill (1985) and Okeke et al. (2008), the fruit serves as spice,
while its aqueous decoctions are used especially after child birth due to its
antiseptic properties.
Despite the fact
that all foods have therapeutic, nutritional or toxic effects qualities (Chike
and Adienbo; 2010; Uzodike and Onuoha, 2010), Xylopia aethiopica abuse
and mass-consumption, has been reported in populations (Riddle, 1992; Onyeyili,
2000; Hashemi et al., 2008). In fact, Xylopia aethiopica has been
implicated in liver damage (Contran et al., 2005).
In addition,
physiologically, the liver is involved in the homeostasic regulation of living
system via its biochemical pathways that are necessary for growth, immunity and
in the supplies of nutrients and energy (Ward and Daly, 1999). Therefore, the
maintenance of a healthy liver is essential for the overall well being of an
individual. Also, the fact that the liver is the central organ of metabolism and
detoxification of drugs/toxins, implies that it is at a great risk of toxic
damage (Bussieres and Habra, 1995). Hence, this study was undertaken to
investigate the impact of Xylopia aethiopica on liver function as
indicated by liver enzymes activity and protein levels using adult Wistar rat as
a model.
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ASN-PH-020919
ISSN:
2315-537X
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